Alternative Names
Tumor – retina; Cancer – retina
Definition of Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a rare, cancerous tumor of a part of the eye called the retina.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Retinoblastoma is caused by a mutation in a gene controlling cell division, causing cells to grow out of control and become cancerous.
Symptoms
One or both eyes may be affected.
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a complete physical exam, including an eye exam. The following tests may be done:
Treatment
Treatment options depend upon the size and location of the tumor.
Expectations (prognosis)
If the cancer has not spread beyond the eye, almost all patients can be cured. A cure, however, may require aggressive treatment and even removal of the eye in order to be successful.
Review
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. – 3/21/2010
